I've worn mine working out. They usually don't leak, however on really heavy days I'll occasionally have problems. I would recommend pairing them with leak-proof underwear. Then you know you'll be safe. I have these ones from amazon and find that they do the job. They're also way cheaper than the name-brand period panties.
I also love the Glad rags brand. I like how they have adjustable padding level. The price is quite a bit higher though.
Glad Rags Color Pad 3-Pak (Assorted Colors) https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0007V9AIK
Something like this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XVCLTA4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_P5PDE4JHJGJ12NWFQVT5
Fold the pad up on itself and snap shut. they won't smell, they'll dry out after a while if you leave them like that, unless it's a super heavy day..I used cloth even post partum and didn't have a problem. Got a little mildewy bc I did pre rinse them and got busy with a newborn baby.. I kept my postpartum pads in a larger wetbag since I was home and was using so many of them.
Wetbags do a great job holding in any smells, but they won't really smell much at all. I also cloth diaper and hauling a poop diaper doesn't have much stink in a diaper bag inside a wetbag.
2 I got my first cloth pads from Amazon because they were cheap and great as a trial run. I'm in Canada but these are the same ones I have. Link to variety pack and Overnight size
You change them like you would disposable pads, depending on your flow. They will feel damp but they absorb really well and are superior for wicking away moisture in comparison to disposables. I'd suggest paring them with period underwear or a menstrual cup if you are worried about leaks, some people wear two pairs of underwear to keep them in place. They don't have a sticky backing so it can take some getting used to. Overall they're way more comfortable than disposable pads.
A decent price to pay depends on what you're looking for. The ones on Amazon are cheap but they function well. When you want to upgrade consider if you want something made from organic materials, cotton, bamboo, hand-made off Etsy, etc. They will affect the prices.
I just got some reusable pads from Amazon. I have a heavier and irregular period due to PCOS. I got tired of constantly dealing with leaks, doubling up on pads and tampons, changing my sheets, clothes and underwear frequently and the irritation/pain from disposable products.
I have been camping since Thursday night and my period was very heavy late Thursday and all day Friday. I was changing pads frequently, and ended up doing laundry at the campground due to leaking. I hate having to stuff pads in my pockets and tuck tampons in my bra, while trying to ensure our activities keep me close to a bathroom.
Saturday my package arrived with my new reusable pads and I was pretty psyched to try them. I got a 6 pack of heavy flow 14" pads with a nice size wet bag. (I also ordered another set of smaller pads and will happily share thoughts/link if wanted). Flow was still fairly heavy Saturday through today. The pads have held up great. No leaks and I noticed I am changing pads much less frequently with the reusable vs disposable. Plus the added bonus of no itching or irritation to my skin. Rinsed out the used pads and that was a breeze. Been a nurse over 20 years so I am not squeamish in the least.
Really happy with my purchase and will invest $52 to get 12 more pads!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GXBFB5L/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_7PWvFbHQS35DR
Dritz 981T Heavy Duty Snap Fasteners Tool, Metal https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DV8YBS0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_xamNDbN3EWA2Z
You should be able to pick it up at any Joanne’s. That’s where I got mine. It came with snaps. I think there are different sizes, so you’ll want to pay attention to the size of your snaps. You also definitely want something hard to hammer it on, too. It’ll make dents in something soft like wood.